The Pittsburgh Steelers are in the midst of a fierce quarterback battle between Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, echoing the sentiment of Hall of Famer DE Howie Long. During the ongoing training camp, the competition for the starting QB1 position is fierce, and a recent update from an NFL expert provides further details on the situation.
A careful strategy involving Russell Wilson
During an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, Mark Kaboly, a journalist from The Athletic, revealed the Steelers’ plan for handling their experienced QB, Russell Wilson. Kaboly explained that he believes they are taking extra care with the 35-year-old quarterback who is about to turn 36 and is already familiar with the system. “You really can’t have two QBs in the same room. They’ll suck the oxygen out!” Wilson, dealing with a healed calf injury, has missed the last four practices, prompting the Steelers to manage his workload carefully.
Justin Fields’ opportunity to shine
In Wilson’s absence, Justin Fields has been given a chance to step up. Kaboly noted, “I think this is an opportunity to get Justin Fields away and work early in camp.” However, he emphasized that this is just an opportunity for Fields to gain experience with the first team. When Wilson returns, the dynamics will shift significantly.
Kaboly jokingly remarked that when Russell returns, the amount of practice opportunities for the 2nd team is significantly less compared to the 1st team. The Steelers didn’t bring Wilson to Pittsburgh just to be a benchwarmer. His skills and years in the field are priceless, and the team relies on him to perform well when faced with challenges.
“I think the Steelers are being very cautious and he knows the system already..
They didn’t bring Russell Wilson to Pittsburgh to be the backup” ~ @MarkKaboly #PMSLive https://t.co/k3jegqTq4I pic.twitter.com/25Uz7yB49R
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) July 30, 2024
Statistical showdown: Wilson vs. fields
The previous season’s stats highlight why Wilson remains the favorite for the starting position:
Justin Fields:
- Games: 13
- Completion Percentage: 61.4%
- Passing Yards: 2,562
- Touchdowns: 16
- Interceptions: 9
Russell Wilson:
- Games: 15
- Completion Percentage: 66.4%
- Passing Yards: 3,070
- Touchdowns: 26
- Interceptions: 8
While Wilson may not be at his peak, his performance still outshines Fields’. At 35, Wilson’s experience and skill make him a formidable force, capable of mentoring Fields and guiding him to improve his game.
Leadership and experience
Kaboly further highlighted the differences between Wilson and Fields, underscoring Wilson’s veteran savvy and leadership. “Wilson brings veteran savvy and leadership—he’s the guy you want confident under pressure and avoiding turnovers,” he said. When the game is on the line, Wilson’s composure and decision-making make him the ideal quarterback for high-stakes situations.
Dave wannstedt’s take
Former Bears coach Dave Wannstedt also commented on the Steelers’ quarterback situation. During The Colin Cowherd Show, Wannstedt expressed his choice: “In my view, Russell Wilson is the key to securing a Super Bowl victory and winning your division.” He believes that Tomlin must rely on Wilson’s playoff experience to achieve the team’s goals.
“A quarterback is defined by your team’s ability to be down by 10 with five minutes left. Can he drive you down the field, score twice, and win the game? Justin Fields, I hate to say it, but his fourth-quarter stats are a horror show—worst in the league,” Wannstedt stated.
Fourth-quarter performance comparison
Let’s dive into the stats to compare Wilson and Fields in high-pressure situations:
4th-Quarter Stats:
Russell Wilson:
- Pass Attempts: 143
- Passing Yards: 1,045
- Touchdowns: 11
- Interceptions: 2
- Sacks: 15
- Rating: 103.6
Justin Fields:
- Pass Attempts: 92
- Passing Yards: 552
- Touchdowns: 3
- Interceptions: 6
- Sacks: 10
- Rating: 53.4
These numbers clearly illustrate Wilson’s clutch performance in the fourth quarter, reinforcing why experts and analysts back him for the QB1 spot.
Only time will determine the outcome, but it’s definite that the Steelers‘ quarterback competition is ongoing.
